Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino

First of all you all have no idea how bloody long I have waited for this book to come out. Seriously. I saw a bunch of amazing good reads reviews for it and it was like 2 months prior to the actual release. And I was like I need this in my life! I have also got the release date wrong so many times because I was their like mid July thinking this book has released but no! But now; PHEW. FINALLY. I read it and it was just as good as I expected!

First things first; the blurb for this is so eye-catchy! Like whoever reads it is bound to want to give it a go especially if you’re a romance sucker like me! And this one is particularly right up my alley with all its long-term romance and long lost lovers theme. I have read too many of those kinds and you know may be the storyline makes me a little biased in my liking for it but you know, it was damn good!

The story was very dreamy at first; it reminisces on the past and it makes the reader feel all gooey inside. It’s just like the times when a couple you know who have been together for a long time, tell you the story about how they met. It’s hard not to love it basically. Matt and Grace’s tale is just heart-warming from beginning to end.

This story highly emphasises on the point of how people meet when they’re young, it’s real and it’s true but it just might not be the right time for them. And then other things just get in the way. As it was the case with Matt and Grace. They were young and in love.

“You can’t recreate the first time you promise to love someone or the first time you feel loved by another. You cannot relive the sensation of fear, admiration, self-consciousness, passion, and desire all mixed into one because it never happens twice.”

It was beautiful. I don’t think I have enough words for it. The author did a fantastic job portraying the emotions on to the reader through her characters; especially Grace. Gosh I felt with her throughout her journey and that showcases the author’s talent so well. It can’t be easy bringing a character to life like that! She was so free spirited and outgoing but fragile emotionally at the same time. Matt was perfect for her.

Matt was also very easy to like; he’s perfect in his younger years and as an adult he’s dreamy. He went through a great deal as well and my heart broke for him, all the things that happened which could have been avoided! But that is life. And it was enjoyable to go through his journey along with him as well. Even the wretchedness that happened.

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end. This is one of those books you end up cherishing long after you have finished it. It always stays with you somehow and you will be recommending this to all of your friends! Believe that. Anyone who hasn’t already, I hope they give it a go!